Women’s Designer

Unique Brands; United States; On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent fashion retailer in the United States is looking for an experienced Designer with at least 12 years in fashion design, particularly focused on dresses, tops, and denim. This role requires someone who can creatively direct collections and manage product development while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely execution. Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is essential. The ideal candidate must be adept in interpreting trends and have a passion for bold and expressive designs.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of fashion design experience, particularly in dresses, tops, and denim.
• Deep expertise in denim construction and fit is essential.
• High proficiency in relevant design software is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end design process for various clothing categories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to maintain design integrity.
• Guide the creation of seasonal fabric and trim stories.

Skills

Fashion design experience

Ability to interpret cultural trends

Technical skills in design software

Strong organizational skills

Effective communication

Tools

Adobe Illustrator

Photoshop

PLM systems

Job description

Forever 21, a division of Unique Brands, is a fashion retailer known for its trendy and accessible apparel. Our mission is to deliver the latest styles to our customers while fostering a culture rooted in creativity, collaboration, and inclusivity.

About the Role

We’re seeking an experienced and visionary Designer with a strong background in product development and at least 12 years of hands‑on design experience. The ideal candidate has a proven track record designing in the contemporary or junior market, with a core focus on dresses, tops, and denim. This role calls for a designer who can bring the Forever 21 lifestyle to life—trend‑forward, confident, and culturally relevant. You should bring a strong creative point of view grounded in commercial insight and thrive in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment where innovation and execution are equally valued.

Responsibilities

Creative Direction & Collection Ownership

• Lead the end‑to‑end design process for dresses, tops, and denim—from concept to final samples.
• Translate fashion trends into compelling, brand‑right collections with a cohesive story and aspirational lifestyle appeal.
• Create detailed CADs and tech packs that balance creativity, functionality, and cost awareness.
• Deliver fresh, wearable silhouettes that reflect current cultural trends and resonate with the Forever 21 customer.
• Guide fit sessions and oversee all design iterations to ensure the final product is flattering, functional, and fashion‑forward.
• Develop seasonal fabric, wash, and trim stories across core and novelty denim categories.
• Source and select knits, wovens, and blends aligned with the brand’s aesthetic, price point, and performance needs.
• Collaborate on color palettes and print directions that support an expressive, trend‑driven point of view.

Product Development & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with Product Development, Sourcing, and Merchandising to ensure timely execution and alignment with business goals.
• Communicate effectively with overseas vendors to maintain design integrity from sketch through production.
• Approve lab dips, materials, fit samples, and production prototypes with a sharp eye for brand and quality standards.
• Maintain up‑to‑date tech packs, seasonal boards, and all related design documentation.
• Manage timelines and seasonal calendars across multiple product categories.
• Contribute to key development meetings and collaborate cross‑functionally to ensure cohesive, on‑time delivery.

Qualifications

• Minimum 12 years of fashion design experience, with strong ownership of product development and categories such as dresses, tops, and denim.
• Deep expertise in denim construction, washes, and fit.
• High proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and PLM systems.
• Proven ability to interpret cultural trends, street‑style influences, and market movements in a commercially compelling way.
• Strong technical and organizational skills with meticulous attention to detail.
• Confident communicator with the ability to collaborate effectively across design, product development, and production teams.
• Passion for designing bold, expressive products that define the Forever 21 brand and keep it ahead of the curve.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Design

Industry: Retail Apparel and Fashion